1st time poster would like to overclock my E8600 while waiting for Sandybridge!!!

[hrbngr]

hello all!

I would like to overclock my E8600--close to 4ghz(if possible) running on my Giga EP45 mobo for some added performance while i wait for a big upgrade in the spring. I look forward to any recommendations and I hope that I have posted all the necessary info to assist in any decision making!


Motherboard: Gigabyte Model: EP45-UD3P Rev#: 1.1 Bios Version: f10
Cpu: Intel E8600 Wolfdale
Ram: 8gb (4x2GB) Brand: Crucial Model/Part# Ballistix 4-4-4-12 2.0v, Link to your ram's specs: BL2KIT25664AA80A - 4GB kit (2GBx2), Ballistix 240-pin DIMM , DDR2 PC2-6400 from Crucial.comUS
Power Supply Unit: Brand: Tagan Model# TG480-U01?, Wattage: 480

 
note: replace all ?? with the value displayed in your bios.
----> Replace "Auto" with manually set values.
MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
Robust Graphics Booster -------------- : [Auto] 
CPU Clock Ratio ---------------------- : [10x]
Fine CPU Clock Ratio ----------------- : [0.0] <-- ignore if not available
CPU Frequency ---------------------: #### <-- this is set by your bios
Clock Chip Control
Standard Clock Control
CPU Host Clock Control --------------- : [Disabled]
CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) --------------: [333]
PCI Express Frequency (Mhz) ---------- : [100] <--- Set to 100, never leave this on Auto
C.I.A.2 ------------------------------ : [Disabled]
Advanced Clock Control ------- [Press Enter]
CPU Clock Drive ---------------------- : [800mV]
PCI Express Clock Drive -------------- : [900mV]
CPU Clock Skew (ps) ------------------ : [0ps]
MCH Clock Skew (ps) ------------------ : [0ps]
DRAM Performance Control
Performance Enhance ------------------- : [Standard] <--- set to STANDARD when overclocking
Extreme Memory Profile --- (X.M.P.) --- : [Disabled] <--- Leave this Disabled
(G)MCH Frequency Latch ---------------- : [Auto]
System Memory Multiplier -------------- : [Auto] <-- this is the setting that you are using
Memory Frequency (Mhz) ---------------- : [Auto]
DRAM Timing Selectable ---------------- : [Manual] <-- set to MANUAL for overclocking
Standard Timing Control
CAS Latency Time -------- ?? ---------- : [4]
tRCD ------------------- ?? ---------- : [4]
tRP --------------------- ?? ---------- : [4]
tRAS ------------------- ?? ---------- : [12]
Advanced Timing Control
tRRD ------------------- ?? ---------- : [Auto]
tWTR ------------------- ?? ---------- : [Auto]
tWR --------------------- ?? ---------- : [Auto]
tRFC ------------------- ?? ---------- : [Auto]
tRTP ------------------- ?? ---------- : [Auto]
Command Rate (CMD) -------------------- : [Auto] <--- Auto or 0 is OK
Driving Strength Profiles
Driving Strength --------- : Press Enter <--- press ENTER to modify memory sub-timings when overclocking
Channel A
Static tRead Value --------------------- : [Auto]
tRD Phase0 Adjustment ------------------ : [Auto] <-- leave this and below set to AUTO
tRD Phase1 Adjustment ------------------ : [Auto]
tRD Phase2 Adjustment ------------------ : [Auto]
tRD Phase3 Adjustment ------------------ : [Auto]
Trd2rd(Different Rank) ----------------- : [Auto]
Twr2wr(Different Rank) ----------------- : [Auto]
Twr2rd(Different Rank) ----------------- : [Auto]
Trd2wr(Same/Diff Rank) ----------------- : [Auto]
Dimm1 Clock Skew Control --------------- : [Auto] ps
Dimm2 Clock Skew Control --------------- : [Auto] ps
Channel B
Static tRead Value --------------------- : [Auto]
tRD Phase0 Adjustment ------------------ : [Auto] <-- leave this and below set to AUTO
tRD Phase1 Adjustment ------------------ : [Auto]
tRD Phase2 Adjustment ------------------ : [Auto]
tRD Phase3 Adjustment ------------------ : [Auto]
Trd2rd(Different Rank) ----------------- : [Auto]
Twr2wr(Different Rank) ----------------- : [Auto]
Twr2rd(Different Rank) ----------------- : [Auto]
Trd2wr(Same/Diff Rank) ----------------- : [Auto]
Dimm1 Clock Skew Control --------------- : [Auto] ps
Dimm2 Clock Skew Control --------------- : [Auto] ps
Motherboard Voltage Control
CPU
Voltage Types------------ Normal -------- Current -----
Load-Line Calibration ----------------- : [Disabled]
CPU Vcore --------------- ?.????? ---- : [1.25V] 
CPU Termination --------- ?.???V* ----- : [1.2V] 
CPU PLL ----------------- ?.???V* ----- : [1.5V] 
CPU Reference ----------- ?.???V* ----- : [Auto] 
CPU Reference2 ---------- ?.???V* ----- : [Auto] 
MCH/ICH
MCH Core ---------------- ?.???V ------- : [1.2V] 
MCH Reference ----------- ?.???V ------- : [Auto]
MCH/DRAM Ref ------------ ?.???V ------ : [Auto]
ICH I/O ----------------- ?.???V ------- : [1.5V] 
ICH Core ---------------- ?.???V ------- : [1.1V] 
DRAM
DRAM Voltage ------------ ?.???V ------- : [2.1V] 
DRAM Termination -------- ?.???V ------- : [Auto]
Channel A Reference ----- ?.???V ------- : [Auto]
Channel B Reference ----- ?.???V ------- : [Auto]
Advanced Settings
Limit CPUID Max. to 3 ------------------ : [Disabled]
No-Execute Memory Protect -------------- : [Enabled]
CPU Enhanced Halt (C1E) ---------------- : [Disabled]
C2/C2E State Support ------------------- : [Disabled]
x C4/C4E State Support ----------------- : [Disabled]
CPU Thermal Monitor 2 (TM2) ------------ : [Enabled]
CPU EIST Function --------------------- : [Disabled]
Virtualization Technology -------------- : [Enabled] 
Integrated Peripherals
Legacy USB Storage Detect ------------- : [Disabled]

[profJim]

Re: 1st time poster would like to overclock my E8600 while waiting for Sandybridge!!!

Check out http://forums.tweaktown.com/gigabyte...ot-450fsb.html where Dan used the same memory (4x1GB of Ballistix 2.0 volt) for his E8400 overclock to 4.0Ghz and beyond.
There are only 889 replies to in his thread , so you might want to start somewhere in the middle of his everlasting journey.

• Set CPU Host Frequency = 401 - 405 for starters.
• Manually set System Memory Multiplier to 2.00D with Static tRead Value (tRD) = 8 for both memory channels.
• 2.00B and tRD = 7 will give somewhat better memory performance but it might be harder to get your system stable.
• CPU Vcore will need to be increased, possibly up to 1.36250.
• Increasing CPU Termination (VTT) will help with stability. Generally VTT should be at least 0.05 - 0.10 volts less than CPU Vcore.
• With 8GB of memory, MCH Core = 1.26 - 1.32 will probably be needed.
• DRAM Voltage = 2.02 - 2.04 should be stable.
• CPU PLL and ICH I/O = 1.57 should help.

Post your updated bios settings and screen-shots if you have any problems.
Be sure to use the saved bios profiles option to save test/stable configurations.
Nice job on providing the detailed information that we need.

[hrbngr]

Re: 1st time poster would like to overclock my E8600 while waiting for Sandybridge!!!

profJim,

I just read the complete thread that u linked *whew* and I have a couple more questions about some posts you made in it as well as general overclocking advice for this combo before i get started...

First, my goal is a healthy--but not extreme overclock--for gaming-with more conservative memory settings as i know that 4x2gb is more difficult to OC.

So, is the following still your standard test regime:

Make sure your system is stable at stock settings, which means Memtest86+ initially, followed by extended testing with Prime95, OCCT, or
Orthos for at least 6 - 8 hours or longer.
If you want to cut corners, Memtest86+ is the one; do a 2 - 4 initial pass test, followed by full tests with the others.
I recommend using Intel BurnTest as the second test, which will take less than 1/2 hour if you perform a 10 - 15 loop test. WATCH YOUR
CORE TEMPS with IBT. If IBT has errors, there's no sense in performing the other much longer tests. My preference is to then use OCCT
(for its built in temperature and voltage graphical monitoring), along with either Prime95 or Orthos. Running 2 of these 3 programs is
pretty thorough.

Also, for memory settings:

These are the changes for testing with overclocked settings.
Performance Enhance = Standard
x CAS Latency Time..........5...: Auto <-- set to 4
x tRCD ...........................5...: Auto <-- set to 4
x tRP..............................5...: Auto <-- set to 4
x tRAS...........................18...: Auto <-- set to 12
note these timings should work up to 850 - 900MHz memory speeds.
- Advanced Timing Control will remain on AUTO until the end.
x Driving Strength Profile............: Auto <-- set to 1066 for both channels

you mentioned multiple times to set memory at 5-5-5-15 w/tRead of 10 in that post for 4x1gb Ballistix, but you are recommending tRd = 8 above w/the 4-4-4-12 2T settings, correct?

Finally, I read posts in that thread from Psycho/LSD to be careful with VTT voltage, so can you give me any recommendations for CPU VCore/Vtt steps to get to the CPU Host Frequency range of 405-- or is keeping Vtt 0.05 - 0.10 less than Vcore ok? Or Possibly an edited version of the recommendation you made in the thread you linked for a E8600 x 4x2GB:

E8400 @ 450MHz Suggested Settings

Cpu Host Frequency (MHz) = 450 - 460
Cpu Clock Ratio = 9

PCI Express Frequency (MHz) = 100
Performance Enhance = Standard
Extreme Memory Profile (X.M.P.) = Disabled

System Memory Multiplier = 2.40B
Static tRead Value = 8 (for both memory channels)
Driving Strength Profile = Auto, 1066, or OC-1200 (for both memory channels)

Primary memory timings = the rated specs for your memory @ 1066MHz
Advanced Timing Control --> All = AUTO or 3-3-6-54-3 (tRRD-tWTR-tWR-tRFC-tRTP)

Load-Line Calibration = Disabled
Cpu Vcore = 2 to 6 clicks higher than the standard VID for your cpu (start high and work lower)
Cpu Termination = 1.22 - 1.28 (keep this at least 0.05 - 0.10 volts lower than Cpu Vcore (higher often helps with stability)
Cpu PLL = 1.50 or 1.57
MCH Core = 1.26 - 1.28 (for your 2x2GB ram, too high or too low causes boot problems or instabiltiy)
ICH I/O = 1.50 or 1.57
ICH Core = 1.10 - 1.20
DRAM Voltage = max rated voltage for your memory or +0.02 higher (up to 0.10 volts less might be better with some memory)

note: tRD (Static tRead Value) =8 should work up to 460MHz (with 2.40B) and possibly a bit higher
Most quality high performance 1066 memory will run at 1100MHz or somewhat higher speeds.
Reference Volt settings set to AUTO should be fine with your setup.

[profJim]

Re: 1st time poster would like to overclock my E8600 while waiting for Sandybridge!!!

With 8GB of memory, let's first find your memory's limits with lower cpu speeds.
If your memory can't run at 800MHz, we will have to use a somewhat lower FSB than 400MHz.

CPU Clock Ratio -------------: [7x]
CPU Frequency ----------: 2.814 GHz <-- this is set by your bios
CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) ----: [402] <-- 7 x 402MHz = 2.814GHz

Performance Enhance -------- : [Standard]
System Memory Multiplier --- : [2.00D] <-- 2.0 x 402 = 804MHz memory speed
DRAM Timing Selectable ----- : [Manual] 

Standard Timing Control
CAS Latency Time ----------- : [4] <-- these are the rated 800MHz memory timings for your memory when using 2.00 volts
tRCD ----------------------- : [4]
tRP ------------------------ : [4]
tRAS ----------------------- : [12]

Static tRead Value --------- : [8] <-- use the same setting for memory channels A and B

CPU Vcore ---------1.25000 ---- : [1.25V] <-- stock VID is 1.25000, this is OK for now
CPU Termination -- 1.20V* ----- : [1.2V] <-- this is OK for now

MCH Core --------- 1.10 ------- : [1.26] <-- MCH Core that is too high or to low can cause boot-loop problems
DRAM Voltage ----- 1.80V ------ : [2.02V] <-- this is a trivial over-volt for 8GB

What we're doing is a minor cpu underclock to see if your system passes stability testing at stock memory speeds.
If your system is stable with these settings, we'll gradually increase CPU host frequency, which will increase your cpu speed and memory speed at the same time. Once we find the limits of your memory speed, we will use that value to then maximize your cpu speed by using a different CPU Clock Ratio:
FSB = 410; 7 x 410 = 2.870GHz and 410 x 2.0 = 820MHz memory
FSB = 420; 7 x 420 = 2.940GHz and 420 x 2.0 = 840MHz memory
FSB = 430; 7 x 430 = 3.010GHz and 420 x 2.0 = 840MHz memory
....etc.

This approach with an underclocked cpu means that you'll find the memory limits and the cpu won't be a limiting factor.
If we can't get your underclocked cpu stable at ~ 800 memory speeds, i.e. your 8GB memory can't run at it's rated 4GB speed,
we will have to work with FSB less than 400MHz and repeat the procedure until we find the memory's limit.

You have excellent memory that can often run at 1066 - 1100 speeds or higher when only using 2 or 4GB.
With 2 x 1GB of Ballistix 2.2 volt memory, my P35-DS3L easily ran my memory at 1200MHz.
When I tried using 3GB of this memory ( 2 x 1GB plus 2 x 512MB, PC2-6400) I couldn't reach 1200MHz, but 1066 was stable.

CPU Termination (VTT) setting.
If a Prime95 test generates an error, increasing VTT can often help with stability (no errors).
My system is running slightly below its unstable ceiling. My VTT setting is close to 0.10 volts lower than my CPU Core voltage. The goal is to run with low stable voltage settings. The 0.05 - 0.10 guidelines are safe recommendations. VTT changes probably won't be needed until later when you've had to increase CPU Core voltages to run at speeds in 3.60GHZ and higher range.

As I recall, Dan's goal was to reach 4.0GHz with higher memory speeds where 5-5-5-15 primary memory timings were required.
With "standard" 4GB DDR2 setups, 800MHz with 4-4-4-12 timings gives virtually identical real world performance as when you're running at the same cpu speed with 1066MHz and looser 5-5-5-15 timings.

Be sure to include screen-shots and detailed error message details when problems arise.

Check out Lsdme's excellent http://forums.tweaktown.com/gigabyte...ing-guide.html to better grasp overclocking concepts.

I'll proofread this later....it's been a long day.

[hrbngr]

Re: 1st time poster would like to overclock my E8600 while waiting for Sandybridge!!!

profJim,

Ok, I read LSDme's thread and after a few quick tests, completed a 6 hour prime95 blended test complete at 425mhz as indicated below (note voltage was at 2.02v--i'll have EZtune in future snapshot). Is Prime95--blended--a good memory test or do you recommend an alternate tool for memory testing at this stage? Also, how long is long enough of a test before moving to the next setting?

Additionally, with my 10x multiplier possible, what is a good sweet spot for an E8600? 4ghz, 4.25ghz, etc? Since, as you indicated, I'd rather keep the tighter memory timings rather than max memory speeds w/8GBs and a lower multiplier.\

***edit*** I just verified that I had my Static tRead Value still set to AUTO or 10--I believe--so i will need to re-test at 425mhz. Also per LSDme's thread should i just be using the 1st 3 tests of the memtest .iso cd I made vs Prime95 blend? ****

[profJim]

Re: 1st time poster would like to overclock my E8600 while waiting for Sandybridge!!!

Excellent start!!
You don't need to retest your current settings by setting tRD to a lower level.
Memset shows that PL (Performance Level or tRD) was set to 15.
Don't worry about the tRD = AUTO setting for the first test, all this did was to set it way too loose, not a problem.
My preference is to set tRD a little loose, setting it too tight will generate errors or lead to a boot-loop problem.

You'll have excellent performance with:
4.20GHz = 10 x 420, memory at 840MHz using tRD = 8 with 4-4-4-12 timings, and tRD = 7 or 8 (2.00B), or tRD = 8 or 9 (2.00D).
note: There are many other possible options with higher cpu and/or memory speeds, possibly using a lower CPU multiplier.
Using the 2.40B memory multiplier will give you 1008MHz memory speeds with somewhat looser memory timings, such as 5-5-4-12.
My older 2.2 volt Ballistix memory (3GB total) was happy with 4-4-4-10 timings up to about 900MHz.

With your system, tRD = 9 or 10 shouldn't be a problem for all of your testing. Once you've reached your "final" overclock, we'll tighten this setting to provide maximum memory performance.

Memtest86+ Testing:
Once I know that my hardware is stable at/near stock settings, my preference when overclocking is to run:

• 1 full loop (all 8 tests)
• 8 - 10 loops of test #5

Memtest86+ does more than just test for hardware errors. It will sometimes generate errors when some bios settings are wrong, such as voltages that are too low or memory timings that are too tight.

If you skip these 2 Memtest86+ tests, you run the risk of possible data/file corruption when you boot to windows and perform additional testing. The best way to correct corruption after it happens is to have a partition image backup of your windows disk partition (usually your C drive) that can be restored.

Your 4-4-4-12 primary memory timings should be OK up to about 875 - 925MHz memory speeds. Running the tightest possible memory timings (just like tight tRD settings) is not our goal right now. You will probably need looser settings, such as 4-5-5-12, 5-4-5-12, or 5-5-4-12 soon. Memory speeds near 950 - 1000MHz will probably require 5-5-4-12 settings. Above ~ 1000 - 1066MHz, 5-5-5-15 settings should be OK. Your best memory performance will probably be with tight memory timings with memory speeds in the 900 - 1000MHz range.

Prime95 Tests To Run
Read the Prime95 Tutorial (link is in my forum signature), Kinds Of Torture Tests and Which Torture Test Should You Run?.
The minimum tests that I would run at this point would be a 6 - 8 hour test using the BLEND test, followed by the LARGE FFT test. Later when your cpu speed is above 3.60GHz, I would add a 6 - 8 hour SMALL FFT test. Longer tests are preferable.

You can save up to 8 different bios profiles. You can replace an individual bios profile with a newer profile at any time, just don't forget to give the new profile a different name. I strongly recommend that you also save a paper copy of all bios settings, including profiles that fail. I include an Error section and Tests section with each profile with specific notes with details that cover which tests were run and error details for failed tests.

HCI Design Memtest
Lsdme runs this software when in windows. I haven't tried it yet. The website is MemTest: RAM reliability tester for Windows.

The Next Test
You're currently at 425 x 7 (2.975GHz) with memory at 425 x 2 = 850MHz.
Changing to the 2.40B Memory Multiplier will run your memory at 1020MHz at the same cpu speed. You should change your primary memory timings to 5-5-5-15 for this test. Some additional voltage tweaks might be required. If this test is successful, we can test somewhat higher memory speeds or we can work on higher cpu speeds using memory speeds up to the highest successful memory speed test.

Happy tweaking.

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: 1st time poster would like to overclock my E8600 while waiting for Sandybridge!!!

Profjim, you haven't use HCI memtest yet?

Get-R-Done :)

[profJim]

Re: 1st time poster would like to overclock my E8600 while waiting for Sandybridge!!!

OK, I'll byte (pun intended)....
.... How is HCI Memtest better than Prime95 or OCCT?
Does it stress the various sub-systems better?
Does it detect errors quicker?
Does testing with HCI Memtest replace the Blend and Small/Large FFT tests?
Does it clean out the dust bunnies in my computer case?

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: 1st time poster would like to overclock my E8600 while waiting for Sandybridge!!!

It can find issues where those and IBT/LinX fail.

I normally use 4-6 instances, with 650-800MB in each one, and then run 300-1000%

It detects errors very quick if things are unstable memory-wise, I've had settings where I could pass 10 LinX but fail that before each window could even reach 10%

I don't use Prime so I couldn't say what it replaces :)

I only use LinX and both memtest's myself.

And yes it can clean out dust bunnies, or just take them out for a drive around the town and bring them back at a specified time if needed.

[profJim]

Re: 1st time poster would like to overclock my E8600 while waiting for Sandybridge!!!

Thanks for the HCI Memtest feedback.
HCI Memtest definitely will be added to my o/c stress testing toolkit.

Prime95 and OCCT tests often find errors when IBT/LinX run error free for 10 - 15 loops.
I don't run IBT or Linx for longer tests because the ISPC2CPU (International Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Cpuz) might give me grief.

The major "issue" with Prime95/OCCT is that almost "perfect" settings often don't generate errors until the tests have run for at least 8 - 12 hours per test. I've had a few cases where an error didn't occur until after 13 - 17 hours.

D-an-W had a momentary crisis when one of his Prime95 tests had an error at something like 24hours 22minutes.

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: 1st time poster would like to overclock my E8600 while waiting for Sandybridge!!!

Ya I've basically used it to rule out Prime95/Orthos in my testing, so I guess I use this instead of Prime in a way.

Haha, I stick to 10x LinX myself due to being part of said organization :)

errors after 12 hours can often be heat related too so it's very hard to tell what's what, so when testing for long periods like that you can never be sure what's going on.

I tend to keep it shorter nowadays, no time for 24 hour tests! I do know what you mean about D-an-W, I've had one error on me after 24 hours too, right when I decided I'd let it got for 48 hours :(

[hrbngr]

Re: 1st time poster would like to overclock my E8600 while waiting for Sandybridge!!!

profJim,

glad to hear you have found a new tool for the toolbox! So, I was a little concerned about my MCH temperatures, and since i didnt have an intake fan on my antec 300, i bought this today to place on the side of case shooting right towards the vid card and NB:

Newegg.com - SILVERSTONE AP121 120mm Case Fan

hopefully I will have it early next week and plan to recommence testing then. I also want to remove the blue aluminum cover on the MCH--pm'd LSD about it--but I am a little nervous on the process, so i might have to take out the MB and do it over the weekend i guess.

Finally, getting back to the testing process. Are you recommending running the Memtest+(1 full loop and 8-10 Test #5) and Prime95(3 hour blend/3hour Large FFT) for each increment in memory speed? That will take quite a bit of time and I wanted to know if there was any way I could speed up that process somewhat if possible.

[profJim]

Re: 1st time poster would like to overclock my E8600 while waiting for Sandybridge!!!

Yep, stress testing is a PITA and takes a lot of time.
Cutting corners might come back to haunt you, especially if you don't have an image backup of your boot partition. If your boot partition gets corrupted while stress testing, how long will it take you to reinstall all your software? Do you have all your documents, photos, music and other files in a different disk partition? Do you have recent backups of these files.

I've only had a boot partition problem one time, but my partition image backup meant that I was up and running again within minutes.

Memtest86+ takes about 20 minutes to complete one full pass on my system with 4GB of memory. 8GB would take about twice as long, but your cpu with more L2 cache will probably reduce the time a bit. As I recall, test #5 takes about 25 minutes to run 8 tests.

FWIW, test #5 is my nemesis. In most cases, my overclock attempts pass the other Memtest86+ tests, and I've seen a fair number of posts where test #5 generated errors for others. When test #5 had errors, it was always (in my case) within 0 - 5 loops, that is, on or before the 6th loop had completed. YMMV

To save time, I can see skipping the full Memtest86+ test loop for now. It's your call if you want to skip the #5 loop test too.

Based on Lsdme's HCI Memtest recommendation, it looks like running HCI in windows will be quicker test and equally thorough test, as long as you set it up to test as much available memory as possible and let it run long enough to fully test your memory. Don't forget that you can run an overnight extended test for HCI or Prime95.

I think your Antec 300 case is similar to my Antec 200 (backup system) case. I'm amazed at how well my 200 case cools my system. I'm using Scythe S-Flex (64 cfm/1600rpm) fans running at 1300 rpm. My fans are not high pressure/low(er) cfm like your new fan. I think that your best bet will be to install your new Silverstone fan in the front intake position and use a "regular" fan for the side intake.

If you don't have any intake fans installed, you can remove your case side cover and use a desk fan to blow air directly into your case for added cooling.
What are your system, cpu and core temps while running Prime95? Most decently cooled systems have core temperatures in the low 50 degree (C) range. Post a screen-shot of your temperatures during your next test.

[kick]

Re: 1st time poster would like to overclock my E8600 while waiting for Sandybridge!!!

mch
I use two direct read temp sensors for mch.the mch doesnt like its temps in excess of 45C at hi overclock.
In practice that means keeping mch voltage at or below 1.4v.
You can get a good overclock with 1.24v mch,how much u want to push it is up to you.

My board doesnt have the "blue hats" never did.
If you want to apply some stress/hi voltage to it add a direct fan or an angled 120mm fan for mch and memory
if you want to gun your board to the max check this
Gigabyte P45 UD3 review - AwardFabrik - Forum

[hrbngr]

Re: 1st time poster would like to overclock my E8600 while waiting for Sandybridge!!!

kick,

thanks for the tips on the MCH. After I remove the "hat", i'll hot glue a small fan on it, i have so much old overclocking stuff going back to the celeron 300 days, so i'm sure i can find something that works.

profJim,
I will mess around with HCI memtest over the weekend to see how it runs while i work on modding my case and mobo a bit. I should have at least one decent Scythe/Pabst 120mm fan that i can use for a side fan if I put the Silverstone Air Penetrator fan on the front of the case.

btw, this machine is purely for gaming, no relevant data is on it, but a drive corruption would still be a large pain. I need to see about buying a decent docking station from newegg as i have multiple old Sata HDDs that I could use to back up the partition. Most of the docking stations I have seen have one problem or the other--and are not generally made that well. Also, i originally had my BIOS setting [SATA RAID/AHCI MODE] as Disabled instead of AHCI or Raid, so I have been unable to hook up an external Sata drive except through the usb2 or firewire ports versus an external SATA port.